Explore beautiful Kefalonia.

Explore beautiful Kefalonia on a romantic trip or family holiday. The largest island in the Greek Ionian island chain, Kefalonia is just under 500 square miles. The island is home to 35,000 residents (though this number increases significantly during the summer tourist season). The capital city is Argostoli and the most important port is called Sami. Start planning a Kefalonia holiday today by booking accommodations through HomeAway. HomeAway offers the following options for groups big and small, for short and long stays.

HomeAway offers accommodation solutions for every type of holiday group. For a large crowd, choose one of the multi-storied holiday villas on Kefalonia. Designed to sleep 10+ people, these grand villas come with a variety of amenities. For smaller groups, Kefalonia holiday apartments are available for a weekend or longer. Stay in one of our luxury apartments for ultimate comfort. You can even rent a yacht complete with skipper with HomeAway.

Things to do

Argostoli:

Discover Kefalonia's capital town, Argostoli. Argostoli has been the capital of the island of Kefallonia since 1757, and is home to over 10,000 permanent residents. The whitewashed buildings and narrow streets reflect classic Greek architecture, especially that of the post-1953 earthquake era. Be sure to make a visit to Maistrato Beach.

Earthquake of 1953:

Learn about the island's ancient and recent history. A major earthquake in 1953 left the entire island flattened, necessitating major rebuilding efforts. Some earthquake ruins are still visible, and combined with the forest fires of the 1990s, the island has truly had a rebirth in the last few decades.

Olives:

Over 55% of the island's land is covered in olive trees, and 13 olive presses operate full-time. Taste the Koroneiki and Theiako, the two main varietals of olive grown for oil production, and then taste the differences between various fresh-pressed olive oils. Visit any of the olive oil presses for a uniquely Greek experience.

Melissani Underground Lake:

Visit the popular Melissani underground lake. Accessible only by boat, this hidden gem is located just northwest of the town of Karavomilos. The lake is an extremely popular spot for tourists and locals alike, but don't let that serve as a deterrent from this wonderful swimming hole. Entrance is 7 euros.

Myrtos Beach:

Located in northwestern Kefallonia, Myrtos beach sits between the mountains of Agia Dynati and Kalon Oros. The beach is about 1.5 miles long, and has been described as one of the most breathtaking beaches in all of Greece.

Archaeological Museum of Argostoli:

The Archaeological Museum of Argostoli is well known for housing a variety of antiquities found on the island of Kefallonia. These pieces range from the prehistoric era to the Roman periods. The former museum was destroyed by the 1953 earthquake that damaged much of Kefallonia. The current building was designed by Patroklos Karantinos, and completed in 1960.

Weather in Kefalonia

The weather on Kefallonia is characterised by long, hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures reach as high as 30°C in summer, however the lack of humidity improves the summer climate. January and February bring some precipitation, with mild temperatures dipping down to 10°C. The Etesian winds, which blow from May to October across the islands, can cause problems for sailors, but are a major draw for watersport enthusiasts.

Travel to Kefalonia

Travel to Kefalonia is simple at any time of the year. Flights from Athens (ATH) and other nearby mainland cities arrive at Cefalonia International Airport (CFU) daily. Alternatively, both car-carrying and passenger ferries travel to and from mainland Greece daily. Ferries are also available between the various Greek islands at least once daily, and more often during the high tourist season.

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